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Congressmen say the IRS’s 529 college savings program should expand to include trade schools

Students going to trade school may soon be able to make use of a college savings program to help pay for their supplies.

A 529 college savings account is a pre-tax saving account to pay for college. Congressmen Pat Meehan and Don Norcross say it should be expanded to help purchase tools of the trade for those entering apprentice programs. Meehan of Pennsylvania said apprentices need some very expensive equipment.

“We believe it should be just as valuable to put money aside to enter the workforce, the skilled workforce to enter an apprenticeship with skilled labor.”

South Jersery’s Norcross, an electrician by trade, said he wants to see the savings program expanded to help.

“Whether it’s daycare, transportation, tools and equipment or the certifications you might need.”

The two are pushing to move a bill through Congress to make the 529 savings plan more extensive.